Baseball game board with sliding panel



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Feb. 12, 1952 B. v. MARSCHKE 2,585,259

BASEBALL GAME BOARD WITH SLIDING PANEL Filed Nov. 24, 1948 2 SHEETS- SHEET 1 E m :L mi..

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erho/d 2). W70/"schiva A V y am ATT Patented Feb. 12, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT y OFFICE BASEBALL GAME BOARD WITH SLIDING PANEL 4 Claims. l

My invention relates to an improvement in games and deals particularly with a type of game which simulates a game of baseball.

Many games have been produced which simulate the games of baseball, football, and the like. Certain of these are equipped with a game board1 which indicates the playing field and includes playing elements which may be placed on the playing fieldso that the position of the players during the game may be immediately noted. Such games have the diiiiculty that it is necessary to move these playing pieces after each play in the game and as several playing pieces are often involved there is a considerable chance of mistake. Furthermore, if the playing eld is accidentally jarred or moved the position of the playing elements often becomes changed, thereby making it impossible to determine the previous location of the playing elements except by memory.

An object of the present invention lies in the provision o1" a game simulating the game of baseball which incorporates a playing eld having apertures therethrough at locations corresponding to first, second and third bases and which includes a movable element beneath the game table which may be moved to indicate players on any of the bases mentioned. The movable element beneath the game table is preferably of a color which contrasts with the color of the game table and as the movable member moves beneath the game table a diierent contrasting color is visible in one or more of the apertures to indicate various combinations of players on the playing field.

A feature of the present invention lies in the provision of a game table having apertures therein and in the provision of a movable game element which is visible through the various apertures to indicate predetermined combinations of positions of the players upon the playing eld. indicia on the movable element is also visible through apertures in the playing eld and the visible indicia corresponds to the position of the players on the playing field.

A feature of the present invention lies in the provision of a game table having a slide movable therebeneath and visible through apertures in the playing table. When no players are on base the indicia visible through certain of the openings indicate possible plays which may take place While the bases are empty and also the apertures adjacent the bases on the playing field indicate that no players are on base. The plays listed on the slide and visible through apertures in the playing field are numbered or otherwiseidentied so that a chance selector of any desired type may be actuated to select any of the plays exposed. Once the selector has selected a predetermined play the slide is moved beneath the game table until the apertures adjacent the bases show the results of the play in the event the situation is changed as a result of the selected play.

A feature of the present invention lies in the provision of a game table having a playing field indicated thereon and having apertures adjacent each of three bases on the eld and in providing a movable element having lists of plays whichA can take place under various circumstances. For eX- ample at the start oi the game the slide is moved until the apertures adjacent the bases indicate that no player is on base and the list of plays exposed are plays which may take place while the bases are empty. If, as a result of the operation of the play selector, it is determined that a player reaches first base, the movable element is moved until an area of contrasting color or some other identifying indicia is visible through the aperture adjacent rst base. This movement of` the movable element also exposes a second listof plays which may take place logically while 4the player is on rst base. The movable elementmay also be actuated to indicate a player on second base with iirst and third bases empty, a player on third base with iirst and second bases empty, players on rst and second bases, players on rst and third bases, players on second and third bases and the bases filled. By merely moving the movable member until the players are indicated at the proper locations on the playing eld, 'a list of indicia is exposed showing plays which may logically take place while the players are in the pofsition illustrated.

Another feature of the present invention lies in the fact that my lists of plays are arranged in identical columns, half of which are inverted relative to the others so that the plays may be readily seen from either side of the game table. As a result the game may be played by two players sitting in opposed relation without thenecessity of changing the position of the playing eld.

These and other objects and novel features of my invention will be more clearly and fully set forth in the following specification and claims.

In the drawings forming a part of my specification: l y

Figure 1 is a top plan view of my game showing the general construction thereof. l

Figure 2 is a plan view of the movable slide positioned beneath the game table.

Y between the rows of apertures 22 and 23.

Figure 3 is a longitudinal section through the game, the position of the section being indicated by the line 3--3 of Figure l.

The game A may be formed in various manners, the construction shown in the drawings being typical of such arrangements. The game A illustrated includes an open ended envelope I which encloses a flat slidable member I I. The envelope I0 includes a top panel I2 and a bottom panel I3, these panels I2 and I3 being foldably connected together along the longitudinal edges I4 and I5.

The top panel I2 is provided with a pointer I6- pivotally connected at I1 thereto and which is rotatable in a circular path. A ring I9 encircles the pointer I6 and is concentric therewith. This ring I9 is divided into a series of short sections or segments which are both of equal length, although the length of the segments may be varied if desired. Identifying indicia 2G is provided in the various sections of the ring I9, the sections being separated by radially extending partition'lines 2l.

Th'evpointer iB may be operated in a mannerY known in the art by merely propelling the pointer about its pivot I1, the pointer gradually slowing untilit comes to rest in position to indicate one of theA numerals or other identifying means 20. In the particular structure illustrated the ring I9 is divided into 2'7 segments of equal length.

A pair of rows of apertures. indicated in general by the numerals 22 and 23 are located in spaced parallel relation upon the upper panel I2 of the envelope I 0. These rows of apertures 22 andY 23 each comprise four separate spaced apertures spaced by a narrow spacing band. The row of apertures 22 includes transversely spaced and aligned apertures 24, 25, 2S, and 21. The apertures 24 and 25 are connected by a bridge strip 29. The apertures 25 and 25 are connected by a bridge strip 30. The apertures 26 and 2'! are connected by a bridge strip 3l. Similarly the row of apertures 23 includes four laterally spaced and aligned apertures 32, 33, 34 and 35. The apertures 32 and 33 are separatedby a bridge strip 3l. The apertures 33 and 34 are separated by a bridge strip 31. The apertures 34 and 35 are separated by a bridge strip 39. It is important to note that the strips 29 and 3E are aligned, the bridge strips 3l! and 31 are aligned and the bridge strips 3| and 3S are longitudinally aligned in the top panel I2.

A playing field is designated on the panel I2 This playing field includes a rectangular infield designation indicatedy in general by the numeral All. The playing field includes a representation of a pitchers mound 4I and a catchers position 42 which is directly behind the batting bex 43. A right field foul line extends in one direction from-the batting box 43 and a left eld foul line 45 extends outwardly at right angles to the foul line 44. The foul line 44 in part forms the base line between the batters box and home plate 43, and first base 46. A second base line 41 extends from iirst base at right angles to the foul line Iii to the second base representation 48. A third base line 49 extends from second base 43 to third base U at right angles to the left field foul line c5.

The base representations for first base 46, second base 48 and third base 59 comprise rectangular apertures in the panel I2 and it is important that these apertures are longitudinally aligned with the various bridge strips separating The aperture 46 is longitudinally aligned with the bridge strips 29 and 36. The aperture 48 is longitudinally aligned with the bridge strips 3G and 31. The aperture 53 is longitudinally aligned with the bridge strips 3| and 39. As a result portions of the slidable member i i which are visible through the base apertures 45, 48, and are concealed from View through the rows of apertures 22 and 23.

Each row of apertures 22 and 23 is provided with an adjacent row of indicia, the row of indicia 5I being adjacent the row of apertures 22 and the row of indica 52 being adjacent the row of apertures 23. Each of the apertures of each row is divided by the rows of indicia 5I and 52 into seven sections. The aperture 21 includes an undesignated section 53 and six designated sections designated by indicia 54 which corresponds with indicia 28 of the ring I9. For example in the construction shown the top one-seventh of aperture 21 is undesignated to provide a space through which a column head may be seen while the remaining sixsevenths ci the aperture is identified by the numbers I to G. The aperture 26 is divided into seven equal spaces designated by indicia 55 which in the present construction comprises the numerals 1 through i2 inclusive. The aperture 25 is divided into seven equal spaces designated by indicia 55 which in the construction shown comprises numerals I4 to 2L- inclusive. The aperture 22 is divided into seven equal spaces which in the arrangement shown comprises the numbers 2l through 21 inclusive as shown at 51.

The indicia 52 is similarly arranged relative to the row of apertures 23. The transverse length of the aperture 32 is divided into seven equal spaces, the rst of which remains unidentified to accommodate a column title on the slidabie member II. Theremaining portion of the apern ture bears identifying indicia 59 which in the construction shown comprises the numerals I to 6 inclusive.

The aperture 33 is divided into seven equal spaces which are identified by indicia in the indicia. column 52 indicated specifically at B3. The indicia 69 in the construction illustrated comprises the numbers 1 to I3.

The transverse length of the aperture 34 is likewwise divided into seven equal spaces which are identied by indicia in the indicia column 52 indicated speciiically at 6I, which in the construction shown comprises the numbers I4 through 20 inclusive. Similar indicia is provided adjacent the aperture 35 and this aperture is divided into seven spaces which in the form shown are identified by numerals 2 I through 21 inclusive.

The slide I I is illustra-ted in some detail in Figure 2 of the drawings. This slide comprises a generally rectangular body having a pair of projecting end tabs 63 and 64. The body of the sheet II is preferably about the same in length as the envelope Il! and the tab 63 provides a means of sliding the sheet when thus telescoped.

The sheet II is divided into sixteen separate columns in length, a short end portion 35 of the sheet projecting beyond the columns tc overlie the portion of the envelope panel I2 between the row of apertures 22 and the adjacent end of the envelope. The sixteen columns are divided into two halves, indicating eight of the columns on one vend of the sheet reading toward one edge 66 thereof while the indicia on the remaining eight columns at the other end of the sheet read towhich indicates logical plays.

...ward the edge 81 thereof. The columns extend to a point spaced from the edges 66 and 61 of the sheet, providing unprinted margins 69 and 10 on the portion of the sheet which extends laterally beyond the rows of apertures mentioned.

Each of the columns are divided into thirtyone sections which may be of equal size. The first seven spaces of each column include indicia to indicate a play, with the exception of the top space of the column which bears a heading indi eating the position of the runners on the bases. The eighth space of each column does not bear any indicia showing a play as this space is normally covered by certain of the bridge strips.v The 9th to 15th spaces inclusive of each column bear indicia indicating a suitable play. The 16th space Abears no play indicia as this space is normally covered by certain of the bridge strips.

The seventeenth to the twenty-third space inclusive of each'column includes indicia indicating a. suitableplay. TheVtWenty-fourth space of each column bears no such indicia as this space is normally covered by the bridge strips. The twenty-ith to the thirty-first space of each column bears indicia The indicia which does appear in the eighth, sixteenth, and twenty.-

'fourth spaces of each column will be laterrdescribed in more detail.

vThe ilrst column 1I) at one end of the sheet and the corresponding rst column 1I at the other end of the sheet contain indicia describing plays which may take place when the bases are empty and the columns 10 and 1| are headed by the title bases empty indicated by the numeral 12. Thus when the columns 1li and 1I are in registry with the rows of apertures 22 and 23 in the panel I2, the game is in position for plays which might take place when the bases are empty. At this time the apertures 46, 48 and 50 in the panel I2 disclose blank spaces on the sheet II or expose portions of the sheet II bearing suitable indicia to indicate that the bases are empty. In the form of construction shown blank areas of the sheet I I which is of a contrasting color from the envelope I0 appear through these apertures. y

'I'he second column 13 at one end of the sheet and the corresponding second column 14 at the opposite end of the sheet lists a series of plays which may take place while a player is on rst base. This column bears a heading player on first indicated by the numeral 15 in Figure 2 of the drawings. While the columns 13 and 15 are in registry with the rows of'apertures 22 and 23 respectively, a portion of contrasting color on f the sheet II is visible through the ilrst base aperture 46. For example the color red which contrasts with the colors of the envelope and of the sheet I I may be visible through the rst base aperture 46 when the sheet II is in this position.

The third column 16 at one end of the sheet and the corresponding third column 11 at the other end of the sheet bear indicia listing plays which may take place while a player is on second base and while the other bases are unoccupied.'

These columns 16 and 11 are hea-ded by the statement 19 player on second." While the columns 16 and 11 are in registry with the apertures 22 and 23 of the envelope I0, the previously exposed contrasting portion visible through the rst base aperture 46 moves out of registry with this aperture and a contrasting colored area on the sheet I I is visible through second base aperture 48. Thus looking at the playing field any player would note that second base is occupied while first and third bases are not. The fourth column 8U at one end of the sheet I I and the corresponding fourth column BI at the other end of the sheet list plays which may logically occur while a player is on third base and the other bases are unoc cupied. These columns are headed by the words "player on third indicated in Figure 2 by the numeral 82. While the sheet is in position to expose the columns 80 and 8I through the rows of apertures 22 and 23 the contrasting color visible through second base aperture 48 disappears and a colored area becomes visible through third base aperture 50. The slidable member II is shown in this position in Figure 1 of the drawings.

The fifth column 83 at one end of the sheet and the corresponding fth column 84 at the other end thereof bear plays which might logically take place while players are located on both rst and second bases. These columns are headed by the title players on iirst and second, indicated by the numeral 85. When the slide I I is moved into position to expose the colors 83 and 84 through the rows of apertures 22 and 23 respectively, the colored indication disappears from view through aperture 50 and a suitable contrasting color indi cation appears through apertures 46 and 48. Thus when the plays which might take place while a player is on rst and second are listed in the rows of apertures, a color indication is provided' on the playing iield showing the location of players at these bases.

The sixth column 86 at one end of the sheet i I and the corresponding sixth Vcolumn 81 at the other end of the sheet list plays which might logically take place while players are on rst and third bases. 'I'hese columns are headed with indicia 89 which specify players on rst and third." While the sheet I I is in position to expose the columns 86 and 81 through the rows of apertures 22 and 23' the color indication previously visible through second base aperture disappears and aY the playing iield.

The seventh column 98 at one end of the sheet and in the corresponding seventh column 49I at the opposite end of the sheet are listed plays which might logically take place while players are located on second and third bases. These columns are headed by indicia 92 specifying "players on second and third.

While the sheet II is in position to expose the columns and 9|' through the rows of apertures 22 and 23, color indications indicating men on these bases are visible through apertures 48 and 50 in the panel I2.

In the eighth column 93 at one end of the sheet and in the corresponding eighth column 94 at the other end thereof plays are listed which may logically take place while the bases are loaded. These columns are provided with suitable indicia 95 which states bases filled. While the sheet I I is in this position a colored indication is visible through all of the apertures 46, 48 and 50.

The various color indications described are located in the eighth, sixteenth and twenty-fourth spaces of the various columns which are normally concealed by the bridge strips. These color indications which are visible through the aperture 46 are indicated by the numeral 96. The colored indications which are visible thro-ugh the aperture 48 are indicated by the numeral 91.. The color indications which are visible through the aperture 50 are indicated by the numeral 99. These colored areas 96, 91, and 99 are properly 57 spacedto register.. withv the apertures-named' in the correct position of the sheet l I.

The. manner in= which the game is played,l will be understood from the foregoing description. The.; sheet H is first placed in position with the columns 'l0 and 'Il in registry With the rows of apertures 22 and 23, the bases beingv empty at the beginning of the game. One player representing one teamthen spins the pointer I6 and determines theplay corresponding tothe number to which the pointer points. The player may obtain a strike, a ball, or a foul vand these strikes and. balls are counted as in the gameV of baseball. If the player gets three strikes, he is counted out as in baseball. 1f the player reaches rst base, the slide H is moved-until the colored indication appears in aperture 4B and in no other aperture. The columns i3 and 'I4 of the sheet H' are then exposed through the'rows of apertures 29 and 23. Similarly it is possible for the player to geta twobase h-it-I a three-base hit, or a home run and the slide H is moved accordingly.

If the player is successful in reaching a base, the slide l lis moves1 to provide the proper indication in the base apertures and to move the desired-columns into registry with the rows of apertures. The pointer is then actuated to see what plays will occur. Gbviously the possible plays change without change in location of the players as it is possible to make a double play when a player is on first base, but is less likely when a player is on second or third base,

As soon as the player has three men called out the slide H isplaced to its original position and the other player begins to play. The game is played in innings similarly to a regular game of baseball.

In accordance with the patent statutes, I have described the principles of construction and operation of my game, and While I have endeavored to set forth the best embodiment thereof, I desire to have it understood that obvious changes may be made Within the scope of the following claims without departing from the spirit of my invention.

I'claim:

1. A base ball game including a game board having the representation of a base ball field thereon and having apertures therethrough adjacent the representation of first, second and third bases, said game board also having an elongated aperture therethrough extending substantially across the game board adjacent to the representation of the field, a slidable member supported for sliding movement beneath said game .board in a direction transversely of said elongated aperture, said slidable member being visible through said apertures, a series of symbols on said game board spaced longitudinally of said elongated aperture, said slidable member being Vslidable through a series of positions, indicia on said slidable member visible through the aperture adjacent the representation of first base in one of said positions to indicate a runner on first base, spaced legends on said slidable member, one legend being adjacent each of said symbols, visible through said elongated aperture in said one position and representing possible occurrences which may take place While a runner is on first base, indicia on said slidable member visible through said aperture near the representation of second base in a second position of said slidable -member Ato indicate a runner on second base, a

series of spaced legends on saidy slidable member visible through said elongated aperture in said second position of said slidable member and representing possible occurrences when arunner is on second base, one of said last named spaced legends being adjacent each of said symbols, indicia on said slidable member visible through the aperture near the representation of third base in a third position of said slidable member, a series of spaced legends on said slidable member visible through said elongated aperture in said third position, said last named spaced legends being adjacent to said spaced symbols, and representing possible occurrences when a man is on third base.

2. A base ball game including a game board having the representation of a base ball eld thereon and having apertures therethrough adjacent the representation of first, second and third bases, said game board also having an elongated aperture therethrough extending substantially across the game board adjacent to the representation of the field, a slidable member supported for sliding movement beneath said game board in a direction transversely of said elongated aperture, said slidable member being visible through said apertures, a series of symbols on said game board spaced longitudinally of said elongated aperture, said slidable member being slidable through a series of positions, indicia on said slidable member visible through said apertures near the representation of the bases to indicate base runners in various combinations of locations, one combination being visible in each of said positions of said slidable member, and a different row of indicia visible through said elongated 'aperture in said game board in each position of said slidable member. each said row of indicia including a series of spaced legends equal in number to, and coiresponding in position to, said symbols, the row of indicia visible in each position of the slidable member indicating possible occurrences which may take place When the base runners are in the corresponding locations indicated through the apertures near the base representation While the slidable member is in that position.

3. The structure defined in claim 2 inwhich the indicia visible through the apertures near the base representations traverses the elongated aperture upon slidable movement of the slidable member, and including bridge portions across said elongated aperture to conceal this last named indicia.

4. The structure defined in claim 2 and in which the playing field is arranged with a center line from home plate to second base at an angle tothe direction of the elongated aperture.

BERTHOLD V. MARSCHKE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

